Thunder set to play ‘hottest team in the league’

WORTHING Thunder Basketball Club return to action on Saturday when they travel to National League Division 1 leaders Kent Crusaders.

Thunder coach Daniel Hildreth says Kent are ‘the hottest team in the league right now’ and is expecting a tough game.

The sides have already met twice this season, with one win each, and Hildreth said: “We face the hottest team in the league right now. The extremely young but talented team from Kent are definitely the team to beat.

“Despite losing their American shooting guard, Dau Jok, it seems as though the team have become even more potent in his absence.

“Their athleticism and work ethic, combined with a dedication to run their system, has meant they currently sit at the top of the table.

“We have played them twice this year already and both games were decided by a last second shot. In the National Trophy, it was Milton Chavis who was fouled with one second remaining and his nerve at the free-throw line handed us the win but it was a missed tip in for us on the buzzer that allowed Kent to take the league win, 102-100.

“We know to expect a fast-paced game, with a lot of trapping and pressure defence from them. We will need to play with composure and require our experience to control the pace of the game.

“In our last league outing two weeks ago, we had 26 turnovers. It is vital we take care of the ball if we wish to beat another team who sit top of the league at the time we face them.”

Thunder go into the game after a weekend off and Hildreth said: “They have played a couple of double-header weekends and we have just had a weekend off, honestly I’m not sure who this favours.

“But I can be sure they will be ready to play and, more importantly, we can’t wait to get back out there on court and back to winning ways.”